Walt Disney World Resort is home to something for every kind of theme park fan — thrills, relaxation, nostalgia, you name it. But as Walt Disney himself said at the opening of Disneyland Resort in 1955, the parks will never truly be finished, and will
"continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world."That means change is always on the horizon — and sometimes, that means saying goodbye to beloved attractions.
In recent years, guests have already bid farewell to DINOSAUR, Splash Mountain, Muppet*Vision 3D, and Primeval Whirl. So which Walt Disney World rides might be next? Here are three attractions worth keeping an eye on.
Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros — EPCOT
Tucked inside the Mexico Pavilion at EPCOT, the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros has been welcoming guests since 2007, when it replaced the El Rio del Tiempo boat ride that had called the pavilion home from 1982 to 2007. It was notably the first attraction in World Showcase to feature Disney characters based on an existing IP.
The gentle boat ride follows Panchito Pistoles and José Carioca as they search for their missing bandmate Donald Duck, racing to reunite the Three Caballeros in time for their big concert. It's a relaxing experience in the same spirit as it's a small world or Na'vi River Journey — and its final animatronics actually originated from Tokyo Disneyland's now-closed Mickey Mouse Revue show.
Despite its charm, the Gran Fiesta Tour has long been rumored as a candidate for replacement. Speculation points to a possible Coco (2017)-themed attraction taking its place, bringing guests through a Dia de los Muertos celebration. With Coco 2 on the horizon and Disney already developing its first Coco ride for Disney California Adventure Park, the timing feels notable — even if there's no official confirmation yet.
Mission: SPACE — EPCOT
Over in EPCOT's World Discovery section, Mission: SPACE has been simulating a trip to Mars since 2003. The attraction is well known for its intensity, and has long been associated with motion sickness — enough so that Disney eventually introduced two versions: the milder Green Mission and the far more intense Orange Mission.
After more than two decades, Mission: SPACE is frequently discussed as a potential closure. Wait times are rarely long, and its reputation for causing physical discomfort hasn't exactly won it a devoted fanbase. Whether that speculation ever becomes reality remains to be seen, but it's one of the more frequently cited candidates for the chopping block.
Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor — Magic Kingdom
Since 2007, Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor has been bringing laughs to Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom. The interactive comedy show lets guests engage with Mike Wazowski and other monsters in an improv-style format that's especially popular with younger visitors.
Even so, the attraction has never felt like a natural fit within Tomorrowland, and closure rumors have circulated more than once over the years. What adds fuel to the fire is the confirmed Monsters, Inc. land coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios, which will include a new roller coaster sending guests zipping through the door system from the film. Whether the Laugh Floor could eventually migrate to that new land — or whether Disney would operate two simultaneously — is an open question, but it's one worth watching.
Which of these potential closures would hit you hardest? Let us know in the comments!